US20210404898A1 - Tubular sensor with deformation body - Google Patents
Tubular sensor with deformation body Download PDFInfo
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- US20210404898A1 US20210404898A1 US17/473,654 US202117473654A US2021404898A1 US 20210404898 A1 US20210404898 A1 US 20210404898A1 US 202117473654 A US202117473654 A US 202117473654A US 2021404898 A1 US2021404898 A1 US 2021404898A1
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Images
Classifications
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- G—PHYSICS
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- G01L—MEASURING FORCE, STRESS, TORQUE, WORK, MECHANICAL POWER, MECHANICAL EFFICIENCY, OR FLUID PRESSURE
- G01L9/00—Measuring steady of quasi-steady pressure of fluid or fluent solid material by electric or magnetic pressure-sensitive elements; Transmitting or indicating the displacement of mechanical pressure-sensitive elements, used to measure the steady or quasi-steady pressure of a fluid or fluent solid material, by electric or magnetic means
- G01L9/0026—Transmitting or indicating the displacement of flexible, deformable tubes by electric, electromechanical, magnetic or electromagnetic means
- G01L9/0032—Transmitting or indicating the displacement of flexible, deformable tubes by electric, electromechanical, magnetic or electromagnetic means using photoelectric means
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01L—MEASURING FORCE, STRESS, TORQUE, WORK, MECHANICAL POWER, MECHANICAL EFFICIENCY, OR FLUID PRESSURE
- G01L7/00—Measuring the steady or quasi-steady pressure of a fluid or a fluent solid material by mechanical or fluid pressure-sensitive elements
- G01L7/02—Measuring the steady or quasi-steady pressure of a fluid or a fluent solid material by mechanical or fluid pressure-sensitive elements in the form of elastically-deformable gauges
- G01L7/04—Measuring the steady or quasi-steady pressure of a fluid or a fluent solid material by mechanical or fluid pressure-sensitive elements in the form of elastically-deformable gauges in the form of flexible, deformable tubes, e.g. Bourdon gauges
- G01L7/041—Construction or mounting of deformable tubes
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
- G01F1/00—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow
- G01F1/05—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using mechanical effects
- G01F1/34—Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using mechanical effects by measuring pressure or differential pressure
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01L—MEASURING FORCE, STRESS, TORQUE, WORK, MECHANICAL POWER, MECHANICAL EFFICIENCY, OR FLUID PRESSURE
- G01L19/00—Details of, or accessories for, apparatus for measuring steady or quasi-steady pressure of a fluent medium insofar as such details or accessories are not special to particular types of pressure gauges
- G01L19/0007—Fluidic connecting means
- G01L19/0038—Fluidic connecting means being part of the housing
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01L—MEASURING FORCE, STRESS, TORQUE, WORK, MECHANICAL POWER, MECHANICAL EFFICIENCY, OR FLUID PRESSURE
- G01L19/00—Details of, or accessories for, apparatus for measuring steady or quasi-steady pressure of a fluent medium insofar as such details or accessories are not special to particular types of pressure gauges
- G01L19/0061—Electrical connection means
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01L—MEASURING FORCE, STRESS, TORQUE, WORK, MECHANICAL POWER, MECHANICAL EFFICIENCY, OR FLUID PRESSURE
- G01L19/00—Details of, or accessories for, apparatus for measuring steady or quasi-steady pressure of a fluent medium insofar as such details or accessories are not special to particular types of pressure gauges
- G01L19/0092—Pressure sensor associated with other sensors, e.g. for measuring acceleration or temperature
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01L—MEASURING FORCE, STRESS, TORQUE, WORK, MECHANICAL POWER, MECHANICAL EFFICIENCY, OR FLUID PRESSURE
- G01L19/00—Details of, or accessories for, apparatus for measuring steady or quasi-steady pressure of a fluent medium insofar as such details or accessories are not special to particular types of pressure gauges
- G01L19/14—Housings
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01L—MEASURING FORCE, STRESS, TORQUE, WORK, MECHANICAL POWER, MECHANICAL EFFICIENCY, OR FLUID PRESSURE
- G01L9/00—Measuring steady of quasi-steady pressure of fluid or fluent solid material by electric or magnetic pressure-sensitive elements; Transmitting or indicating the displacement of mechanical pressure-sensitive elements, used to measure the steady or quasi-steady pressure of a fluid or fluent solid material, by electric or magnetic means
- G01L9/0001—Transmitting or indicating the displacement of elastically deformable gauges by electric, electro-mechanical, magnetic or electro-magnetic means
- G01L9/0002—Transmitting or indicating the displacement of elastically deformable gauges by electric, electro-mechanical, magnetic or electro-magnetic means using variations in ohmic resistance
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01L—MEASURING FORCE, STRESS, TORQUE, WORK, MECHANICAL POWER, MECHANICAL EFFICIENCY, OR FLUID PRESSURE
- G01L9/00—Measuring steady of quasi-steady pressure of fluid or fluent solid material by electric or magnetic pressure-sensitive elements; Transmitting or indicating the displacement of mechanical pressure-sensitive elements, used to measure the steady or quasi-steady pressure of a fluid or fluent solid material, by electric or magnetic means
- G01L9/0026—Transmitting or indicating the displacement of flexible, deformable tubes by electric, electromechanical, magnetic or electromagnetic means
- G01L9/0027—Transmitting or indicating the displacement of flexible, deformable tubes by electric, electromechanical, magnetic or electromagnetic means using variations in ohmic resistance
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01L—MEASURING FORCE, STRESS, TORQUE, WORK, MECHANICAL POWER, MECHANICAL EFFICIENCY, OR FLUID PRESSURE
- G01L11/00—Measuring steady or quasi-steady pressure of a fluid or a fluent solid material by means not provided for in group G01L7/00 or G01L9/00
- G01L11/04—Measuring steady or quasi-steady pressure of a fluid or a fluent solid material by means not provided for in group G01L7/00 or G01L9/00 by acoustic means
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a measuring system for a physical variable, in particular pressure.
- Measuring systems for a physical variable, in particular pressure are generally known in the art, e.g. in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,207,551 A, 3,046,788 A and EP 0 074 574 A1.
- Such measuring systems comprise a tubular deformation body which has circular cross-sections at its ends for sealing connection to a process.
- the tubular deformation body also has a measuring section or deformation body deviating from the circular form, e.g. oval, elliptical, flat-oval or non axially-symmetric, such as “D-shaped”.
- a deformed pipe cross-section tends to assume the circular shape and in the process generates various types of expansion and compression, which also act on the outer surface of the pipe.
- the pipe cross-section increasingly tends to assume a geometry that deviates from the circular shape, that is, the extent of the deformation is increased. This can be referred to as a “compression” of the pipe cross-section.
- This also leads to various expansions and compressions, which also act on the outer surface of the pipe.
- a widening of the pipe section is also referred to as a compression, depending on whether there is overpressure or underpressure relative to the pipe external pressure in the measuring tube.
- a measuring system for a physical variable, in particular pressure, comprises a housing and a measuring tube.
- the measuring tube comprises at least one tubular deformation body, the cross-section of which is at least partially deformed in a defined manner deviating from a circular cross-section and which expands elastically under pressure.
- the measuring tube comprises two feed sections, which are each attached to end sections of the deformation body and each have a circular cross-section at their outer edge sections, and two sealing sections for sealingly coupling a measuring system to a process, the sealing sections formed to the outer edge sections of the feed sections.
- the housing can enclose the measuring tube in a sealing manner.
- the housing may be subjected to a negative pressure or a vacuum.
- Connection pieces of the measuring tube have an inside diameter of 3 mm to 40 mm or 20 mm to 60 mm.
- the feed sections can have a wall thickness which corresponds to a wall thickness of the deformation body. Thus, there are no steps between the feed sections and the deformation body, which in turn results in a low flow resistance and free cross section for the medium flowing through.
- the feed sections can be made as one piece with the support sections and the sealing sections. This also results in a low flow resistance and free cross-section for the medium flowing through.
- the housing can be joined to the support sections by a material-bond and in a sealing manner.
- the housing can be subjected to a negative pressure or a vacuum.
- the housing can be provided with a vacuum or with a negative pressure in relation to the outside atmosphere.
- the housing can have a service port for installing or checking the vacuum or negative pressure in order to advantageously facilitate the installation of the vacuum or negative pressure.
- the evaluation unit can be designed to evaluate stretchings and/or widenings of the deformation body of the measuring tube, in particular with the aid of a Fast Fourier Transformation, based on data recorded by means of an optical measuring system, data captured by means of laser optics, the laser optics carrying out a reference measurement on the basis of laser radiation guided via mirrors and/or carrying out a direct measurement based on laser radiation guided via a beam splitter or a common passage via at least three mirrors, data recorded by means of at least one capacitive sensor, data captured by means of at least one strain-sensitive optical fiber sensor which is wound around the measuring tube, data recorded by means of two or four strain gauges, data recorded by means of a Wheatstone bridge, which is formed from strain gauges, and/or data recorded by means of at least one surface acoustic wave sensor.
- a Fast Fourier Transformation based on data recorded by means of an optical measuring system, data captured by means of laser optics, the laser optics carrying out a reference measurement on the basis of laser radiation guided via mirrors and/or
- the measuring system can further comprise sensors for determining a flow rate and at least one output unit for outputting a signal comprising the flow rate, a pressure and a temperature.
- the measuring tube and the feed sections can be joined by means of weld seams, the weld seams being produced by welding, through welding, orbital welding and/or laser welding.
- the weld seams may be produced relatively easily and enable a fluid-tight and particularly durable joining of the measuring tube and the feed sections as well as a low roughness of an inner surface of the measuring tube and the feed sections in the area of the weld seams. This makes the measuring system particularly suitable for applications in the pharmaceutical sector as well as in the food industry.
- the roughness of the inner surface of the measuring tube and the feed sections in the area of the weld seams can have an Ra value of less than or equal to 3 ⁇ m, in particular of less than or equal to 2 ⁇ m, in particular of less than or equal to 0.8 ⁇ m. This results in a low flow resistance and free cross-section for the medium flowing through. This also allows to meet requirements for increased purity of process media.
- a transition between an inner surface of the measuring tube and the feed sections in the area of the weld seams can run at least substantially flat and/or without edges, steps and/or without ejections with a maximum height of 2 mm. This also results in a low flow resistance and free cross-section for the medium flowing through.
- FIG. 1 schematically shows a measuring system for a physical quantity
- FIGS. 2A to 2K schematically show different cross sections of a tubular deformation body of a measuring tube
- FIGS. 4A and 4B schematically show different representations of a measuring tube
- FIG. 1 a possible exemplary embodiment of a measuring system 1 for a physical variable is shown schematically.
- the measuring tube 2 in turn comprises a deformation body 3 , which is at least in part defined deviating from a circular cross-section, flattened or deformed and can expand elastically under pressure.
- a measurement technology or measurement sensor system 8 which measures values of a strain and/or widening AW at a section of the deformation body 3 , is implemented with capacitive sensors 8 A and/or laser optics 8 B and/or strain-sensitive sensors or strain gauges 8 C.
- the laser optics 8 B direct at least one laser beam 8 F onto the mirrors 10 , 11 , which are aligned for a reference measurement.
- the respective laser beam 8 F is directed onto a mirror 12 arranged on the deformation body 3 , which mirror has different positions relative to the mirrors 10 , 11 and the laser optics 8 B depending on the widening AW.
- a corresponding impact position of the laser radiation reflected by the mirror 12 can be determined depending on a position of the mirror 12 , and based on this, a value of the widening AW can be derived.
- the mirror 12 itself is designed as a detector, for example as a CCD chip.
- a fiber sensor 8 D can detect strains.
- a so-called fiber Bragg technique can be used to measure a temperature in addition to the expansion.
- a fiber of the fiber sensor 8 D is for example wound around a relevant pipe section of the measuring tube 2 and optionally fixed with elastic potting.
- so-called surface acoustic wave sensors 8 E can sense expansion and a flow inside the measuring tube 2 .
- the housing 7 is optionally evacuated or provided with a vacuum via a connection 15 which is welded to form a seal or is provided as a coupling for service purposes.
- a getter material 13 arranged to absorb moisture is arranged inside of the housing 7 in a possible embodiment.
- the vacuum inside the housing 7 is monitored by a vacuum sensor 16 .
- An attached temperature sensor 17 detects a temperature on the measuring tube 2 to compensate for temperature errors.
- the housing 7 at least partially encloses the measuring tube 2 on the outside in its direction of extension 32 , in the alternative of course in a completely sealing manner, by welding on the support sections 6 . It encompasses the measuring tube 2 and stabilizes it against mechanical influences and other influences.
- the measuring section or the deformation body 3 comprises one or more temperature sensors 17 and at least one heating element, so that a flow direction of a medium and/or a flow speed of the same may be determined by evaluating a temperature measurement.
- FIGS. 2A to 2F and 2H to 2K show cross sections of the tubular deformation body 3 and thus different measuring cross-sections of the measuring tube 2 , such as a flat oval 40 or an ellipse 41 , as well as arrangements of sensors, in particular capacitive sensors 8 A, surface acoustic wave sensors 8 E and/or strain gauges 8 C.
- FIGS. 2H to 2K are produced, for example, by expansion in so-called hydroforming processes by means of internal pressure. It is particularly advantageous if the measuring section or deformation body 3 always has a larger diameter or cross section than the sealing section 5 .
- FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a possible embodiment of a measuring tube 2 with a deformation body 3 and two feed sections 4 which connect the circular shape to the deformation body 3 .
- Sealing sections 5 may optionally be welded on.
- An option is an inner coating of the measuring tube 2 with silicone as an elastic lining, which inner coating may be removed; another option is a version with an exchangeable silicone cover piece 50 .
- a massive embodiment of the two feed sections 4 is also shown, which on the one hand have the deformation body 3 connected by welding and on the other hand have the sealing sections 5 and the support sections 6 for the housing 7 (not shown) integrally formed.
- the sections show the transition from a round cross-section to the oval measuring section or deformation body 3 .
- a measuring tube 2 is shown in a further embodiment with an interferometrical measurement.
- a reference length LR is detected by a beam splitter 35
- a widening AW is detected by a process pressure P of the deformation body 3 by a transit time offset of light.
- the laser optics 8 B may also be an emitter and a detector at the same time, because the detector, for example also in the form of a CCD sensor or a photo diode, can be coupled via a mirror or beam splitter 35 and thus also be integrated in the structure of the laser optics 8 B.
- laser radiation is directed onto the mirror 36 and from there onto the beam splitter 35 .
- the laser radiation is sent to the mirror 10 and from there back through the beam splitter 35 to the mirror 11 .
- a detector is arranged on the mirror 11 , wherein the signal received with this sensor may be used as a reference measurement with the reference length LR according to the previously described course of the laser radiation.
- the laser radiation is reflected by the mirror 11 back to the beam splitter 35 , which directs it to the mirror 36 and to the laser optics 8 B.
- a reference measurement with the reference length LR can also be carried out by means of the laser optics 8 B.
Abstract
Description
- This nonprovisional application is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/EP2020/056661, which was filed on 12 Mar. 2020, and which claims priority to German Patent Application No. 10 2019 106 342.6, which was filed in Germany on 13 Mar. 2019, and which are both herein incorporated by reference.
- The present invention relates to a measuring system for a physical variable, in particular pressure.
- Measuring systems for a physical variable, in particular pressure, are generally known in the art, e.g. in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,207,551 A, 3,046,788 A and
EP 0 074 574 A1. Such measuring systems comprise a tubular deformation body which has circular cross-sections at its ends for sealing connection to a process. The tubular deformation body also has a measuring section or deformation body deviating from the circular form, e.g. oval, elliptical, flat-oval or non axially-symmetric, such as “D-shaped”. By changing a process pressure relative to a pipe external pressure, an elastic change in the geometry of the tubular deformation body is brought about. If an internal pressure is greater than the pipe external pressure, a deformed pipe cross-section tends to assume the circular shape and in the process generates various types of expansion and compression, which also act on the outer surface of the pipe. If the internal pressure is lower than the pipe external pressure, the pipe cross-section increasingly tends to assume a geometry that deviates from the circular shape, that is, the extent of the deformation is increased. This can be referred to as a “compression” of the pipe cross-section. This also leads to various expansions and compressions, which also act on the outer surface of the pipe. In the following, a widening of the pipe section is also referred to as a compression, depending on whether there is overpressure or underpressure relative to the pipe external pressure in the measuring tube. When using a sufficiently strong, spring-elastic material, this effect shall be used as a measuring effect for the variable pressure. - It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a measuring system for a physical variable that is improved over the prior art.
- A measuring system according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention for a physical variable, in particular pressure, comprises a housing and a measuring tube. The measuring tube comprises at least one tubular deformation body, the cross-section of which is at least partially deformed in a defined manner deviating from a circular cross-section and which expands elastically under pressure. Furthermore, the measuring tube comprises two feed sections, which are each attached to end sections of the deformation body and each have a circular cross-section at their outer edge sections, and two sealing sections for sealingly coupling a measuring system to a process, the sealing sections formed to the outer edge sections of the feed sections. Furthermore, the measuring tube comprises two molded-on support sections that carry the housing, a measuring sensor system which measures values of an expansion and/or widening at at least two points on a section of the deformation body, and an evaluation unit which electronically evaluates measured values of the expansion and/or widening and outputs them as a measurement signal. The housing at least partially encloses the measuring tube on the outside in its direction of extension and stabilizes it against mechanical influences and other influences.
- The measuring system is a cost-efficient solution for a tubular measuring system for the primary measured variable, pressure. Further measured variables, such as a temperature and a flow rate and measured variables derived therefrom, such as a density may also be integrated. The measuring system has a structure with a free cross section to be flown through. Besides, the construction is free of dead space, i.e. there is no possibility for a medium flowing through the measuring system to get caught in dead ends or undercuts or to form deposits there. The measuring system enables external pressure fluctuations, temperature effects, environmental influences and mechanical repercussions to be sufficiently compensated for or prevented. Particularly high measuring accuracies can be achieved in this way.
- The housing can enclose the measuring tube in a sealing manner. Thus, the housing may be subjected to a negative pressure or a vacuum.
- The inside of the measuring tube can be lined with silicone or an exchangeable silicone cover piece, so that a flow resistance for the medium flowing through is minimized and/or, due to the exchangeability, the requirements for increased hygiene are covered due to a possibility of single use.
- The deformation body of the measuring tube can have a wall thickness of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm or 0.2 mm to 3.0 mm.
- Connection pieces of the measuring tube have an inside diameter of 3 mm to 40 mm or 20 mm to 60 mm.
- The feed sections can have a wall thickness which corresponds to a wall thickness of the deformation body. Thus, there are no steps between the feed sections and the deformation body, which in turn results in a low flow resistance and free cross section for the medium flowing through.
- The feed sections can be solid and/or have a transition of the inner contour from circular to oval. In particular, the massive feed sections are distinguished from the deformation body by a particularly low deformability. The massive design of the feed sections avoids deformation of the same and a resulting corruption of measured values. For example, the solid feed sections are produced by machining, such as drilling and/or milling, of a body formed from a solid material, in particular a metal or a metal alloy. In the alternative, the production can be done by reshaping solid material.
- The feed sections can be made as one piece with the support sections and the sealing sections. This also results in a low flow resistance and free cross-section for the medium flowing through.
- The housing can be joined to the support sections by a material-bond and in a sealing manner. Thus, the housing can be subjected to a negative pressure or a vacuum.
- The housing can be provided with a vacuum or with a negative pressure in relation to the outside atmosphere.
- The housing can have a service port for installing or checking the vacuum or negative pressure in order to advantageously facilitate the installation of the vacuum or negative pressure.
- The housing can have a pressure sensor or vacuum sensor inside for monitoring the vacuum or the negative pressure in order to facilitate monitoring of the vacuum or the negative pressure in an advantageous manner.
- The measuring tube can have an applied temperature sensor that is positioned inside the housing or on the measuring tube. In this way, a temperature of the medium can also be recorded and, if necessary, processed.
- The housing can have a glass bushing toward the outside atmosphere or toward a second part of the housing, wherein contacts for signal transmission are passed through the glass bushing. This enables a reliable signal transmission for output, storage and/or further processing of the recorded data.
- Further, the measuring system can comprise an interface that can be contacted via a plug contact and/or a display for outputting measured values in order to advantageously enable the recorded data to be displayed.
- The evaluation unit can be designed to evaluate stretchings and/or widenings of the deformation body of the measuring tube, in particular with the aid of a Fast Fourier Transformation, based on data recorded by means of an optical measuring system, data captured by means of laser optics, the laser optics carrying out a reference measurement on the basis of laser radiation guided via mirrors and/or carrying out a direct measurement based on laser radiation guided via a beam splitter or a common passage via at least three mirrors, data recorded by means of at least one capacitive sensor, data captured by means of at least one strain-sensitive optical fiber sensor which is wound around the measuring tube, data recorded by means of two or four strain gauges, data recorded by means of a Wheatstone bridge, which is formed from strain gauges, and/or data recorded by means of at least one surface acoustic wave sensor. Such an evaluation is very reliable.
- The measuring system can further comprise sensors for determining a flow rate and at least one output unit for outputting a signal comprising the flow rate, a pressure and a temperature.
- The housing can have a length of 100 mm to 300 mm or 50 mm to 800 mm.
- The measuring tube and the feed sections can be joined by means of weld seams, the weld seams being produced by welding, through welding, orbital welding and/or laser welding. The weld seams may be produced relatively easily and enable a fluid-tight and particularly durable joining of the measuring tube and the feed sections as well as a low roughness of an inner surface of the measuring tube and the feed sections in the area of the weld seams. This makes the measuring system particularly suitable for applications in the pharmaceutical sector as well as in the food industry.
- The roughness of the inner surface of the measuring tube and the feed sections in the area of the weld seams can have an Ra value of less than or equal to 3 μm, in particular of less than or equal to 2 μm, in particular of less than or equal to 0.8 μm. This results in a low flow resistance and free cross-section for the medium flowing through. This also allows to meet requirements for increased purity of process media.
- A transition between an inner surface of the measuring tube and the feed sections in the area of the weld seams can run at least substantially flat and/or without edges, steps and/or without ejections with a maximum height of 2 mm. This also results in a low flow resistance and free cross-section for the medium flowing through.
- The measuring section or the deformation body and/or the feed sections can have a larger diameter and/or cross section than the sealing sections.
- Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes, combinations, and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.
- The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus, are not limitive of the present invention, and wherein:
-
FIG. 1 schematically shows a measuring system for a physical quantity, -
FIGS. 2A to 2K schematically show different cross sections of a tubular deformation body of a measuring tube, -
FIG. 3 schematically shows a perspective view of a measuring tube, -
FIGS. 4A and 4B schematically show different representations of a measuring tube, and -
FIG. 5 schematically shows a sectional illustration of a measuring tube, including an optical evaluation. - In
FIG. 1 , a possible exemplary embodiment of ameasuring system 1 for a physical variable is shown schematically. - The measuring
system 1 comprises a measuringtube 2. - The measuring
tube 2 in turn comprises adeformation body 3, which is at least in part defined deviating from a circular cross-section, flattened or deformed and can expand elastically under pressure. - Furthermore, the measuring
tube 2 comprises twofeed sections 4, which are each attached to endsections 3 a of thedeformation body 3 and, toward the outside at theirouter edge portions 4 a, have a circular cross-section. At their ends, thefeed sections 4 have sealingsections 5 integrally formed toward the outside, which are provided for a sealing coupling of themeasuring system 1 to a process. - Support sections 6, which carry an outer housing 7 of the
measuring system 1, are molded to thefeed sections 4 and/or sealingsections 5. - A measurement technology or
measurement sensor system 8, which measures values of a strain and/or widening AW at a section of thedeformation body 3, is implemented withcapacitive sensors 8A and/orlaser optics 8B and/or strain-sensitive sensors orstrain gauges 8C. - The
laser optics 8B direct at least onelaser beam 8F onto themirrors mirrors respective laser beam 8F is directed onto amirror 12 arranged on thedeformation body 3, which mirror has different positions relative to themirrors laser optics 8B depending on the widening AW. By means of a detector, not shown in detail, which is arranged, for example, in the area of at least one of themirrors laser optics 8B, a corresponding impact position of the laser radiation reflected by themirror 12 can be determined depending on a position of themirror 12, and based on this, a value of the widening AW can be derived. In the alternative, themirror 12 itself is designed as a detector, for example as a CCD chip. - Furthermore, a
fiber sensor 8D can detect strains. Optionally, a so-called fiber Bragg technique can be used to measure a temperature in addition to the expansion. For this purpose, a fiber of thefiber sensor 8D is for example wound around a relevant pipe section of the measuringtube 2 and optionally fixed with elastic potting. - In the alternative, an expansion and/or widening AW is measured by means of
strain gauges 8C, which are applied to thedeformation body 3 and which are also referred to as strain measuring resistors. For this purpose,strain gauges 8C glued to thedeformation body 3 or other suitable strain measuring elements that are applied to thedeformation body 3 by another suitable method are in particular possible. - Furthermore, so-called surface
acoustic wave sensors 8E, or in short SAW sensors, can sense expansion and a flow inside the measuringtube 2. - For this purpose, the housing 7 is optionally evacuated or provided with a vacuum via a
connection 15 which is welded to form a seal or is provided as a coupling for service purposes. In order to maintain the vacuum inside the housing 7 for as long as possible, agetter material 13 arranged to absorb moisture is arranged inside of the housing 7 in a possible embodiment. - In one possible embodiment, the vacuum inside the housing 7 is monitored by a
vacuum sensor 16. - An attached
temperature sensor 17 detects a temperature on the measuringtube 2 to compensate for temperature errors. - This is offset with the measured values in an evaluation unit, in particular an evaluation electronics on a
circuit board 20 in the housing 7 or on acircuit board 21 in asecond housing part 22. There, the recorded measured values are evaluated, converted and output as a measuring signal via a display and/orradio device 30 or aconnector interface 31. For this purpose, a relative pressure sensor for detecting an external pressure relative to the negative pressure in the housing 7, or a barometricambient pressure sensor 60 for detecting the external pressure can also be used for outputting a relative pressure signal. - The housing 7 at least partially encloses the measuring
tube 2 on the outside in its direction ofextension 32, in the alternative of course in a completely sealing manner, by welding on the support sections 6. It encompasses the measuringtube 2 and stabilizes it against mechanical influences and other influences. - The housing 7 and the
housing part 22 are separated by a sealingglass bushing 34, which leads the measurement signals to the outside and/or leads a current and power supply inside. As an alternative to theglass bushing 34, signals and energy may also be transmitted by radio, e.g. via RFID or via induction. Thehousing part 22 may also be completely encapsulated and thecircuit boards circuit boards - In a possible further embodiment of the
measuring system 1, the measuring section or thedeformation body 3 comprises one ormore temperature sensors 17 and at least one heating element, so that a flow direction of a medium and/or a flow speed of the same may be determined by evaluating a temperature measurement. -
FIGS. 2A to 2F and 2H to 2K show cross sections of thetubular deformation body 3 and thus different measuring cross-sections of the measuringtube 2, such as aflat oval 40 or anellipse 41, as well as arrangements of sensors, in particularcapacitive sensors 8A, surfaceacoustic wave sensors 8E and/orstrain gauges 8C. - In particular, the measuring
tube 2 may be aligned in such a way that it can run empty when a system is emptied (seeFIG. 2C orFIG. 2J ). A slight incline may be advantageous here. - The exemplary embodiments shown in
FIGS. 2H to 2K are produced, for example, by expansion in so-called hydroforming processes by means of internal pressure. It is particularly advantageous if the measuring section ordeformation body 3 always has a larger diameter or cross section than thesealing section 5. -
FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a possible embodiment of a measuringtube 2 with adeformation body 3 and twofeed sections 4 which connect the circular shape to thedeformation body 3.Sealing sections 5 may optionally be welded on. -
FIG. 4A shows a further possible exemplary embodiment of a measuringtube 2. - An option is an inner coating of the measuring
tube 2 with silicone as an elastic lining, which inner coating may be removed; another option is a version with an exchangeablesilicone cover piece 50. - In the embodiment shown, a massive embodiment of the two
feed sections 4 is also shown, which on the one hand have thedeformation body 3 connected by welding and on the other hand have the sealingsections 5 and the support sections 6 for the housing 7 (not shown) integrally formed. In particular, the sections show the transition from a round cross-section to the oval measuring section ordeformation body 3. -
FIG. 4B shows a measuringtube 2 with apreform body 3 and afeed section 4 in a further possible embodiment with respect to the welding. In this case, the weld, as shown, can be realized by welding or also by joining thetubular deformation body 3 into a collar by means of through penetration welding. In this context, it may be provided that a welding quality is achieved without reworking, in which aweld seam 99 has an ejection on an inner surface which reaches a low ejection height AWH of only a few millimeters or less. - In
FIG. 5 , a measuringtube 2 is shown in a further embodiment with an interferometrical measurement. - Possible errors due to a transverse offset are eliminated here. On the one hand, a reference length LR is detected by a
beam splitter 35, on the other hand, a widening AW is detected by a process pressure P of thedeformation body 3 by a transit time offset of light. - The
beam splitter 35 may optionally be switched cyclically and thelaser optics 8B are optionally designed as a LED laser, laser diode or photodiode. - The
laser optics 8B may also be an emitter and a detector at the same time, because the detector, for example also in the form of a CCD sensor or a photo diode, can be coupled via a mirror orbeam splitter 35 and thus also be integrated in the structure of thelaser optics 8B. - For example, by means of the
laser optics 8B, laser radiation is directed onto themirror 36 and from there onto thebeam splitter 35. Starting from this, the laser radiation is sent to themirror 10 and from there back through thebeam splitter 35 to themirror 11. In one possible embodiment, a detector is arranged on themirror 11, wherein the signal received with this sensor may be used as a reference measurement with the reference length LR according to the previously described course of the laser radiation. Furthermore, the laser radiation is reflected by themirror 11 back to thebeam splitter 35, which directs it to themirror 36 and to thelaser optics 8B. Thus, a reference measurement with the reference length LR can also be carried out by means of thelaser optics 8B. - The laser radiation directed from the
laser optics 8B onto themirror 36 and from this onto thebeam splitter 35 is also directed onto themirror 12 arranged on thedeformation body 3, which has different positions depending on the widening AW. Laser radiation is reflected from themirror 12 back to thebeam splitter 35, which deflects it to themirror 11 and to themirror 36. By means of the detector (not shown in more detail), which is arranged, for example, in the area of themirror laser optics 8B may also be used to determine a transit time of the laser radiation and, as a result, the widening AW. - The invention is not limited to the preceding detailed exemplary embodiments. It can be modified within the scope of the following claims. Individual aspects from the dependent claims may also be combined with one another.
- The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are to be included within the scope of the following claims.
Claims (24)
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
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DE102019106342 | 2019-03-13 | ||
DE102019106342.6 | 2019-03-13 | ||
PCT/EP2020/056661 WO2020182945A1 (en) | 2019-03-13 | 2020-03-12 | Tubular sensor with deformation body |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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PCT/EP2020/056661 Continuation WO2020182945A1 (en) | 2019-03-13 | 2020-03-12 | Tubular sensor with deformation body |
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US20210404898A1 true US20210404898A1 (en) | 2021-12-30 |
US11913850B2 US11913850B2 (en) | 2024-02-27 |
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US17/473,654 Active 2040-09-02 US11913850B2 (en) | 2019-03-13 | 2021-09-13 | Flow-through pressure transducer |
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US (1) | US11913850B2 (en) |
EP (2) | EP4137793A1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN113454431B (en) |
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WO2021067720A1 (en) * | 2019-10-04 | 2021-04-08 | Total S.E. | Distributed pressure measurement system for core flood experiments |
Citations (3)
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US6171253B1 (en) * | 1999-05-04 | 2001-01-09 | Apex Medical, Inc. | Flat tube pressure sensor |
US6957588B1 (en) * | 1999-06-28 | 2005-10-25 | Thomas P. Kicher & Co. | Fluid measuring device and method |
US20180180505A1 (en) * | 2016-12-24 | 2018-06-28 | Wika Alexander Wiegand Se & Co. Kg | Diaphragm seal assembly with evacuated double diaphragm and vacuum monitoring |
Family Cites Families (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US3046788A (en) | 1960-08-04 | 1962-07-31 | Baldwin Lima Hamilton Corp | Fluid pressure electrical transducer |
US4207551A (en) | 1976-03-12 | 1980-06-10 | Hans Kautzky | Pressure transducer |
EP0074574A1 (en) | 1981-09-14 | 1983-03-23 | The Perkin-Elmer Corporation | Flow-through fluid pressure transducer |
AT410594B (en) * | 1998-12-11 | 2003-06-25 | Kopera Adalbert Ing | DEVICE FOR MEASURING THE FLOW SPEED AND / OR RATE AND STRETCHER FOR MEASURING THE PRESSURE OF A FLUID MEDIUM |
DE102005012686A1 (en) * | 2005-01-14 | 2006-07-27 | Trafag Ag | Pressure sensor, usable therein deformation body and manufacturing method thereof |
DE102017115431A1 (en) * | 2017-07-10 | 2019-01-10 | Bürkert SAS | Measuring device for fluids and fluidic system with a measuring device |
-
2020
- 2020-03-12 WO PCT/EP2020/056661 patent/WO2020182945A1/en unknown
- 2020-03-12 EP EP22201682.6A patent/EP4137793A1/en active Pending
- 2020-03-12 CN CN202080014655.8A patent/CN113454431B/en active Active
- 2020-03-12 EP EP20710929.9A patent/EP3938750A1/en active Pending
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Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6171253B1 (en) * | 1999-05-04 | 2001-01-09 | Apex Medical, Inc. | Flat tube pressure sensor |
US6367333B1 (en) * | 1999-05-04 | 2002-04-09 | Apex Medical, Inc. | Notch diaphragm pressure sensor |
US6957588B1 (en) * | 1999-06-28 | 2005-10-25 | Thomas P. Kicher & Co. | Fluid measuring device and method |
US20180180505A1 (en) * | 2016-12-24 | 2018-06-28 | Wika Alexander Wiegand Se & Co. Kg | Diaphragm seal assembly with evacuated double diaphragm and vacuum monitoring |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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CN113454431A (en) | 2021-09-28 |
CN113454431B (en) | 2023-12-29 |
EP3938750A1 (en) | 2022-01-19 |
US11913850B2 (en) | 2024-02-27 |
WO2020182945A1 (en) | 2020-09-17 |
EP4137793A1 (en) | 2023-02-22 |
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